Vancouver – The Province will build on its world-renowned provincial parks system by hiring more park rangers to enhance conservation, improve services for persons with disabilities andwill also launch a new BC Parks Foundation so community groups, businesses and individuals can come together and have a voice in BC Parks priorities.

In addition, the Province will add more than 1,900 new campsites to help meet growing demand. More than 800 of the sites will be in provincial parks, and over 1,000 will be in recreation sites, delivering a range of camping experiences in areas of highest demand. The commitments are contained in a new BC Parks Future Strategy “Protecting our Legacy Together”.

“BC Parks define who we are as British Columbians and are a vital part of the BC advantage,” said Premier Christy Clark. “Protecting our world-class parks for future generations ensures we continue to attract global attention through tourism, investment and research, as we honour our natural history and as families create lasting memories together.”

As part of the BC Parks Future Strategy the Province will invest up to $22.9 million over five years for campsite expansion in provincial parks and recreation sites, and will allocate funding in 2017 for other recreation and conservation initiatives. The Province continues to invest $15 million to maintain and refurbish existing campsites and backcountry recreation sites across B.C.